GREAT Britain newboys Michael Os-tick and Liam Grundy did their reputations as two of the best young forwards around no harm at all on debut for Great Britain Amateurs Under 18s, writes DAVE BETTLEY.
Both Widnes St Marie's players impressed in a thrilling last-gasp victory over France Juniors at Ince Rose Bridge.
Ste Hunt, Halton's reigning sports coach of the year, is assistant coach of the GB U18s side as well as boss of the Marie's team which is riding high in the Halifax Home Insurance National Youth League.
Hunt said: 'Both played very well. 'Michael put in plenty of big hits at prop and took the ball forward well.
'Liam was on top of his game defensively, playing at hooker. He also produced some good distribution but it was his defensive effort which was the big talking point.'
A converted try two minutes from time helped GB complete a double after beating France 18-14 at Villeneuve last May.
Both Widnes Vikings Academy players, Grundy and Ostick have come through the Halton Service Area ranks and regional squad to earn selection for the national team.
Next up for the young Brits is an away match against Wales at the end of this month.
Selection of the St Marie's pair against France is further proof of the Brentfield U18s side's emergence at the highest domestic level.
The team is top of the National Youth League, ahead of Siddal on a marginally-better points difference with two games each to play.
The penultimate match for the Marie's U18s is at home to Embassy Longhill this Sunday.
Coach Hunt says a second St Marie's prop David Esposito and second-row Danny Hunt have been unlucky not to make the GB squad this season.
He is also backing players such as Craig Millington, Chris Cartledge and Shaun Conroy, who are currently playing at the bottom end of the age group, to stake strong claims next season.
It promises to be a busy time as GB lock horns with old rivals Australia.
